Category: News

Ben Reay signs for Shildon AFC

Shildon AFC is pleased to announce the signing of Ben Reay (subject to league approval) from Newton Aycliffe FC.

Ben will be familiar to Shildon fans having played 17 times for the Club across the 2018/19 & 2019/20 seasons (scoring 4 goals) before moving to Newton Aycliffe FC.

Ben Reay commented “I’m really excited to be playing for Shildon again. I played for Shildon’s youth team and made my debut for the first team when I was 17. Since them I’ve made over 100 appearances in the northern league and now I’m looking forward to testing myself in this league”.

Shildon AFC Manager, Chris Hughes said “We are very pleased to make Ben our first signing at the club. He is a player we have known about for many years and have always followed his career with interest.  Ben is capable of playing across the front line and is a player who will excite the fans. We welcome him back to Shildon and look forward to what he will bring to the team”.

Welcome back to Shildon AFC Ben.

Thexton Leaves the Railwaymen

Shildon AFC can confirm that Dean Thexton has left the Club and has agreed a move to Bishop Auckland FC.

Thexton joined the club in January 2020 from Newton Aycliffe FC and has made 76 appearances scoring 38 goals. He was an integral part of the side that helped gain promotion into the Northern Premier League East for the 2021/22 season.

The Club would like to thank Dean for his time at the Club and wish him all the very best for his future career.

 

 

Railwaymen Strengthen Management Team

Shildon AFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Hughes and David Pounder as Assistant Managers.

Craig and David were most recently in charge at Billingham Town FC.

Manager Chris Hughes commented “I am delighted to have Craig and David on board.  They will bring support and challenge for me personally but more importantly they will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the club.  As a team, we will be able to help the players we have at the club to fulfil their potential and make sure that we have an increased awareness of local talent who we feel can improve the team.”

The Club can confirm that Alex White will remain as player/coach and provide a positive link between management and players at the club.

Welcome to both Craig and David.

Next Supporters Club Meeting

Shildon AFC Supporters Club will be holding a meeting on Friday 28th October 2022 at 7:00pm in the Blue Diamond Social Club at Dean Street.  All supporters are welcome to attend.

As a result of the membership’s vote to adopt a formal constitution, membership of the Shildon AFC Supporters Club is now charged on an annual basis. Membership is £5 Adults (over 18) and £3 juniors (under 18).  Only current members will be able to vote at the club AGM. The renewal date for membership is the month of September.

For further details on the meeting or membership applications please contact Russ Henderson on 07538 789464.

Shildon AFC Appoint New Manager

Following the shock resignation of Ian Clark, Shildon AFC are pleased to reveal their interim management structure.  Former Player, Chris Hughes has accepted the position of First Team Manager for the rest of the season, when the position will be reviewed.  Chris will be supported by Alex White who will be Player Coach, whilst Chris and the Club actively look to reinforce the management team over the coming weeks.

Chris said “Thank you to the players, supporters and board members who have made me feel welcome since I returned to the club.  I am really looking forward to continuing the work that has been started with the players.  It is important we have some consistency for the club now so that we can get the results we need to move up the table.  In the short time I have been back at Shildon, it is clear to see there is a strong group of players who want to do well for the club.  It is important we use their togetherness and abilities to build on Tuesday night.  All of the focus is now on getting a positive result this weekend.”

David Dent, Chairman of Shildon AFC said “ This has been an unsettling 48 hours for everyone at the Club. I’m absolutely delighted therefore that Chris feels now is the time for him to step up into this position to take the Club forward.  I’ve known him for a number of years, founded the Clubs Development Centre with him, seen him progress from player, to coach and latterly to Assistant Manager and feel it’s time for him to have the opportunity to manage the Club.  He’s an A licence Coach, was highly thought of at Middlesbrough FC’s Academy, he has the respect of the players, but more importantly he has integrity and I trust him implicitly.  I know he believes in the Club’s development plan and is here for the right reasons.  Now is the time for stability, Chris will therefore get the backing of myself and the Board, and the resources at his disposal to establish ourselves within the NPL this season and hopefully he will continue in the role for many years to come.”